How CCAR Strengthens Recovery Across CT

Michael McEvoy
Jul 12
3 min read

Updated: Sep 12

Community-Led Recovery That Honors Every Journey

Healing grows stronger through connection. The Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) helps individuals throughout the state find support, structure, and a sense of belonging. Through their Regional Community Centers and All Recovery Meetings, CCAR creates spaces where every recovery path is respected and every voice is valued.

What Is CCAR?

The entrance of CCAR Torrington, where they offer volunteer recovery coaching — CCAR is all about peer support.

CCAR is a statewide nonprofit organization that has supported people in recovery for over 25 years. The organization offers peer-based services, volunteer opportunities, and compassionate spaces where healing can flourish. CCAR affirms that recovery has many pathways. Each individual deserves to be met with respect and encouragement.

CCAR’s Recovery Coaching Programs

CCAR offers recovery coaching in hospital emergency departments as well as at the DOC — CCAR's recovery coaching is offered at all of the RCCs as well as via phone support

Additionally, CCAR brings recovery coaching into hospital emergency departments and the Department of Corrections (DOC). In hospitals, coaches meet with individuals experiencing substance use-related crises and help them connect to treatment and recovery supports. In DOC facilities, coaches offer guidance and encouragement to people preparing to reenter the community, helping them plan for sustained recovery, connection, and stability after incarceration.

CCAR's RCCs: Recovery Close to Home

Sign at CCAR Manchester where they offer All Recovery Meetings. — CCAR has eight Regional Community Centers across Connecticut

CCAR’s Regional Community Centers (RCCs) offer free recovery support in welcoming, recovery-friendly environments. Each center provides peer coaching, workshops, wellness groups, computer labs, and connection to resources. These centers are staffed by people in recovery who understand the journey firsthand and offer support rooted in empathy.

CCAR operates eight Recovery Community Centers across the state: Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, New Haven, New London, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham. These Regional Community Centers serve as welcoming hubs for peer-led recovery support, connection, and community building in diverse Connecticut towns.

All Recovery Meetings: A Welcoming and Inclusive Space

Meeting room at CCAR Waterbury where they offer volunteer opportunities. — CCAR's All Recovery Meetings are held at each location and online at noon M-F

CCAR’s All Recovery Meetings welcome everyone. They do not follow a single structure or belief system, inviting people from all recovery backgrounds to connect in mutual respect. Meetings are available in person at each RCC and online.

All Recovery Meetings include people in 12-Step programs, SMART Recovery, Recovery Dharma, faith-based programs, harm

reduction, and MAT. Each person shares a lived experience. Every perspective is valued.

This format eliminates pressure to conform to any single model. Instead, it invites honest conversation, connection, and shared strength. These meetings build community and offer meaningful support without judgment.

Recovery Coach Academy and Professional Certification

CCAR's Recovery Coach Academy is delivered across the country and the world. — CCAR offers recovery coach training.

CCAR’s Recovery Coach Academy is a nationally recognized training that prepares individuals to support others in recovery with empathy, skill, and integrity. This interactive course covers essential topics including active listening, stages of change, boundary setting, and motivational interviewing. Participants learn to walk beside others in recovery while honoring diverse pathways and lived experiences.

Beyond the Academy, CCAR offers advanced training to deepen skills and meet professional standards. These continuing education courses help prepare individuals for the Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) certification—a credential that reflects a high level of competency, ethical practice, and dedication to peer-based recovery support.

Why CCAR Matters

CCAR Volunteers having fun — Peer-led recovery works. CCAR’s approach creates real change through connection and care.

CCAR offers a model of recovery support that is grounded in dignity, inclusion, and peer empowerment. They reach people across the state and make recovery more accessible. Their services uplift individuals, support families, and strengthen communities.

Explore CCAR’s RCCs or attend an All Recovery Meeting to experience the strength of shared healing.

Supporting the Recovery Community

Across Western Connecticut

RiseWell Recovery offers interventions, professional recovery coaching, sober companions, and sober transportation throughout Western Connecticut, serving towns including Waterbury, Norwalk, Westport, and Meriden. We walk beside you, one step at a time. Ready to add a recovery coach to your support circle? Book a free Discovery Call with RiseWell Recovery today.